CLEVELAND, June 1 (UPI) -- Tina Thompson scored 26 points Saturday, including four in overtime, as the Houston Comets used a stifling defense to post a 69-65 victory over the Cleveland Rockers.
Thompson opened the scoring in the extra session with a basket and Sheryl Swoopes added a jumper for a 65-61 lead with just over two minutes left. Chasity Melvin's basket with 64 seconds remaining cut the deficit to 67-65 and Cleveland got the ball back with a chance to tie.
The Rockers went to former Comet Jennifer Rizzotti, who missed a driving layup with three seconds left. Two foul shots by Janeth Arcain provided the final margin for Houston.
Cleveland managed just four points in overtime, all by Melvin. The Rockers shot 28 percent from beyond the arc.
Thompson also grabbed eight rebounds and made 12 of 22 shots while Arcain netted 17 points for Houston, which improved to 2-1 on the young season. Swoopes, who missed the entire 2001 season, made just three of 12 shots for 10 points.
Penny Taylor scored a career-high 24 points to go with nine rebounds for Cleveland, which was playing its season opener. Taylor sent the game into overtime with a pair of free throws with three seconds left in regulation for a 61-61 tie.
Houston improved to 6-0 all-time at Cleveland.
